by Desiree Holt
Sarah frowned. What on earth? She’d been prepared for a sterile environment, with a little girl tended by robots on an orderly schedule. Robots who had no idea how to relate to a child. What greeted her was beyond anything she’d imagined.
A sharp voice drifted out from the kitchen. “Take this bottle. Open your mouth now, or I’ll throw this away.”
Sarah couldn’t believe the animosity in the tone. But the room they stepped into was worse than any irritable voice. All around them was total disorder, the accumulation of neglect evident. The housekeeper sat in one of the kitchen chairs, a bottle in one hand, a screaming child in the other.
Sarah was stunned. Had Reno even noticed what was going on here? She looked at the distressed baby, and her heart lurched. At the center of the maelstrom was the most adorable baby girl she had ever seen, dressed in a onesie that was stained in the front. Blonde curls framed a pixie face with round cheeks, now more red than pink. Thick lashes fringed warm dark eyes, and dimples flashed at the corners of her mouth. There was very little resemblance to Reno so Sarah assumed she looked like her mother.
She spied Sarah and Reno and began to scream even louder.
The housekeeper turned, startled. “Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting you, Mr. Sullivan.”
Sarah could believe that.
Reno cleared his throat. “Mrs. Randall, this is Sarah Madison.”
“Hello.” The woman got up from her chair, juggling the baby, and sighed. “I’ve been trying to get this bottle into her for ages without any success.”
A jar of baby food sat on the counter, a spoon stuck into it, obviously discarded. Reno made no acknowledgement of anything, simply stepped back as if removing himself from the scene.
Sarah’s mind processed everything. So this was the reason for the urgent proposal. This woman obviously didn’t like children, at least not this one. And her housekeeping skills wouldn’t win any awards. Why on earth would she take a job caring for a house and child if she hated doing it? And why didn’t Reno at least get a cleaning crew in here once in a while? Had he just washed his hands of everything to do with his personal life? This was a nightmare.
But the baby… Oh, that heartwarming child so badly needs someone to love her.
What on earth had happened in this house to bring it to the brink of such destruction? She looked at Reno, hoping for some kind of explanation, but he simply stood near the wall, his posture stiff and unyielding. Every line of his body shouted aversion to the whole thing. She would have thought him cold and unfeeling if not for the torment in his eyes. His gaze begged, Please don’t judge me so quickly.
So many emotions bubbled up inside Sarah that, for a moment, she had trouble maintaining her composure. It included a pain that had never left her heart, a secret she hadn’t felt the need to share with Reno. This was a disaster, and sooner or later, she had to get to the bottom of it. But not right now, when there were more urgent matters.
Suddenly, Molly hiccupped, stopped crying, and reached her chubby little arms out to Sarah. And Sarah’s world turned upside down. Gone in an instant were her fears and misgivings at sharing a house with Reno and her dismay at what faced her. With one gesture, Molly Sullivan became the focus of Sarah’s world, and an unusual feeling of calm settled over her.
She was getting something she’d never thought to have, and that alone would help her do this. She could make it work. All she needed was to get past the emotional landmines she knew awaited her.
She stepped over to the chair. “May I?”
Without waiting for an answer, she dropped her purse on the counter and lifted the baby from the housekeeper’s arms. As she nestled her cheek against the soft skin of the little girl’s face, she felt a painful hitch in her heart. Tears pricked the inside of her eyelids, threatening to run down her cheeks, and she blinked hard to contain them.
“She needs cleaning up,” Mrs. Randall said nervously.
No kidding!
“That’s all right.” Sarah smiled. “If you just show me where to go I’m happy to change her.”
The housekeeper looked at Reno for answers.
He just nodded, looking like a caged eagle desperate to take flight. The message was clear to Sarah—do whatever needs to be done, but leave him out of it. If she’d had her car with her, she’d have told him to go on back to the office at once. She had never seen him this uptight.
“This way.” He led her out of the kitchen, into the hall, then to the sweeping arc of the stairway.
Sarah stopped at the bottom step. “We have a lot to discuss, but I’ll give you my answer now. Yes. I’ll agree to this bizarre marriage arrangement. The sooner the better.”
Reno visibly sagged with relief. “Sarah, I promise you I’ll make sure you won’t regret this. A bargain is a bargain, and I’ll keep my end.”
“Don’t make promises you might not be able to keep,” she said tautly. “Meanwhile, we have some immediate problems to resolve. Get rid of that dreadful woman. Pay her and send her on her way. This seems to be way beyond her capability, and I don’t particularly care for her attitude toward Molly.”
“Sarah, I—”
“It’s all right. And call Nick. Ask him to look in my Rolodex for the number for the cleaning service we use for new construction.” She stopped, suddenly worried. “I’m not presuming too much, am I? Overstepping my bounds?”
“You’re kidding, right? This is more than I hoped for. But what about…”
She shook her head. “When I come back down.”
Reno tried once again to say something, but Sarah hurried up the stairs with Molly in her arms. The upper floor had the same depressing air of neglect as the kitchen and a musty odor hung over everything.
What’s wrong here? I can’t understand why Reno would tolerate this kind of existence.
She located the nursery at the end of the hall. Not wanting to take the time for a tub bath, she stripped off the little girl’s clothes, carried her into the adjoining bathroom, and ran a sink of warm water. While she bathed Molly gently with a washcloth, she talked to her and sang songs she dredged up from her childhood.
I have to be the dumbest person in the world to agree to this. But it’s criminal what’s happening with this adorable little girl. How could Reno ignore his child this way? He acts as if she’s contagious. I would have expected a lot more from him.
But it was what it was, and without hesitation, she decided her next move.
Her mind raced, and her stomach did flip-flops at the thought of the very unSarah-like thing she was about to do. She worried that this really was pushing it, but the minute she’d seen Molly, everything else ceased to exist. This—a child to love who obviously needed her—was the only thing that mattered right now. And she would do whatever she had to where Molly’s welfare was concerned. Protect her with her life if that animal Aguilar came anywhere near her.
Even if it meant suppressing those flames of desire that consumed her whenever she was in Reno’s presence.
She opened a drawer and pulled out the first onesie she came to, thinking inventory later. In a few minutes, she carried a clean and freshly dressed Molly downstairs and went to find Reno. He stood in the kitchen, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, face set in granite.
“She’s gone.” He paused, his voice and posture indicating his discomfort. “Sarah, I know what you must be thinking…”
“One of these days you’ll have to tell me what’s going on here, but right now, this child needs attention.”
“Shall I call the agency to send someone else?” he asked, his voice hesitant.
Sarah sat down with Molly in her lap, cuddling the infant against her. “No, I think not. You said I could make decisions, so I’m taking you at your word.”
“Anything.” His relief was evident. “Whatever you want, as long as you don’t change your mind.”
Okay, here goes.
“I think I should move into the house right away.” She held her breath, wa
iting for him to say something, but he was silent. “Does that shock you? The situation with Molly is the most important thing right now. You said to do what’s best for her. And we’re going to be married quickly, right?”
Breath whooshed out of him in the biggest sigh of relief Sarah had ever heard. A smile, the first his mouth had formed in ages, tugged at his lips. “You really are full of surprises, aren’t you? I was hoping that was what you’d do. Tackle it the way you do every project in the office.”
For a moment, his reminder of the business-like nature of the situation chilled her, but she quickly brushed away the feeling. “I don’t suppose that will cause any more gossip among your friends than the wedding itself.”
“The hell with my friends. They were never there when I needed them anyway. I just want to be sensitive about appearances for your sake.”
“I think appearances are the least of the problem here. The only people I’m concerned about are my parents, and I’ll deal with that. Somehow.” She hesitated. “But that presents another problem. This means I won’t be coming back to the office. That will cause some problems for you.” She nibbled at her lower lip, rocking the baby gently in her arms. “I’ll call the temp agency we used when I took vacation. I’ll tell them we’re looking for a permanent replacement and to send us someone qualified who’s looking for that.”
“I can make the call if that would help,” Reno ventured.
Sarah shook her head. “No. Not to step on your toes, but I know better what’s needed in that job, so I’ll take care of it. But I’ll need to get my car, go by my house, put together a schedule to get everything done.” Still feeding the hungry baby, she got up and looked in the pantry and the refrigerator. More disaster. “And grocery shop.”
“I’ll be getting you a new car, too.” When she opened her mouth to object, he shook his head. “Not up for negotiation. I’d feel safer with her in an SUV. But the big thing is I’m sending it to Texas Armoring to make it completely bulletproof.”
Sarah knew that many of their clients used TAC, as they were referred to. Vehicles that came out of that shop were safe from just about anything. Some of them even outfitted with gun ports and concealed weapons.
“Fine. I have to agree that’s sensible, under the circumstances.”
“I think we should take care of the license and the rings today. I’ll call Judge Harrison about performing the ceremony, unless you have a preference of some kind. I’m leaving Gary here until we’re settled back here at the end of the day. He can finish supervising the security system, too.” The lines in his face deepened. “What about the child? Can you do something with her? I don’t want to haul her around with us.”
Sarah bit back the retort that jumped to her lips. “Do you think Lindsey might know of a babysitter we can trust?”
“I suppose. Nick has a big family, lots of nieces. Maybe one of them would do.”
“Be sure to tell Lindsey about Gary. I’m sure Nick’s already let her know about Aguilar.”
He tore a sheet of paper from a pad on the counter. “Here’s the number of the cleaning service.”
“Fine. I’ll talk to them while you call Lindsey. Then I think we should get going.”
And just like that, Sarah’s life turned upside down.
Chapter Four
While Sarah arranged for a cleaning crew, Reno called Nick to ask him about the baby sitter situation.
“He’s put Lindsey on it,” Reno told Sarah, disconnecting the call. “Everyone’s in school until two o’clock but all the nieces have cell phones so she’ll call and text. She’ll have someone here by three. That will give us enough time to take care of business. We can do it right here in Alamo Heights.”
“Good. The cleaning crew will be here at noon, so I’d better hustle. I asked for the biggest one they had and offered them double. I hope that’s okay. We’ll need it. They can bill Guardian.” She shifted Molly in her arms. “Do you know where the carrier is?”
He tensed, then frowned as if searching for the answer. “I think Mrs. Randall put it in the garage.”
Sarah stared at him. “You mean to tell me this baby has never been out of the house?”
His discomfort was obvious. “I’ll go get it.”
He brought it to her, holding it as if it would bite him, perplexed as to what to do with it. Sarah gritted her teeth and settled Molly into it. “Can you watch her for a minute? I need to run upstairs and get a light blanket to wrap her in and pack a diaper bag.”
“Watch her?” Reno looked as if he’d bolt out the door.
Sarah fought back her impatience. “She won’t get up and run away. Please. I’ll be quick.” Without giving him a chance to object, she raced up the stairs, dug in the chest of drawers in the nursery for some kind of light wrap, found the diaper bag in the closet, and pulled things from the changing table, stuffing them in as fast as she could. She literally ran back down the stairs.
Reno was standing exactly where she’d left him, staring at Molly who stared back at him, sucking on her tiny fist.
She picked up the carrier. “I think we’re ready now. Do you want me to come in when we get to the office and get the temp settled?”
He shook his head. “We’ll take care of it. We’ve done it before. Worst comes to worst, if she’s a washout, I can get one of the payroll clerks to file and help with other things.”
And those were the last words spoken until they reached the office parking lot. Sarah didn’t even go inside, just shifted Molly, the diaper bag, and her purse to her own car.
“I’ll pick you up at three,” Reno said.
Was it her place to ask if he’d be home for dinner? She realized how much about him was still a mystery to her. “I don’t know what time you usually prefer to eat.”
“I don’t expect you to cook tonight, with everything that’s going on today. I’ll just pick something up.”
“No, please. I really want to fix dinner. I think I’ve overdosed on takeout and frozen dinners. Would eight be all right?”
“Whatever’s convenient for you. I have some things to take care of when we’re through with the license and rings. I’ll probably be home by seven.”
“I’ll see you this afternoon, then.”
She slid into her car and backed out of her space. Glancing in the rearview mirror as she shifted into Drive, she saw Reno still standing where her car had been, watching her retreating taillights. Her heart pinched painfully when she thought about the look of torment he wore whenever he looked at his child.
Well, kiddo, fasten your seatbelt. You’re probably in for a bumpy ride.
****
Reno sat in his office, staring at the folder in front of him. He’d gotten as far as opening it, but then his mind had shut down. He knew the decision he’d made was logical, a perfect solution to his dilemma. So why was he having such conflicting feelings about it?
It’s the No Sex rule, dummy.
The last person he’d expected to make his cock sit up and take notice was Sarah Madison. But last night at dinner, he’d had to keep his napkin on his lap and direct his brain elsewhere, because every time he looked at her, every bit of blood rushed from his big head to his small one.
After the disaster with Maggie, sex hadn’t even appealed to him—strange for a man with such a greedy appetite. Then he’d taken a really good look at Sarah. Suddenly, his cock swelled and his balls ached. He began to imagine her naked in his bed, rich sable-colored hair spread out on the pillow, rosy-tipped breasts pointing at him, begging for his mouth. He could almost feel his lips around a plump nipple or his tongue busy between her legs, lapping at her slit and tasting the juices in her cunt.
He shuddered inwardly as he thought of that idiotic phone call last night. It was a good thing he didn’t drink, or he’d have blurted out the real reason. He wanted to change the No Sex rule. He could just imagine how she would have reacted to that. So he’d made up a lame excuse, hung up, and taken a cold shower, hoping that wo
uld help.
No such luck. When he’d gotten into bed, nude—a big mistake—and closed his eyes, his head had filled with images of Sarah under him, over him. In frustration, he’d grabbed his demanding cock, trying to squeeze it into submission, but instead, he’d imagined Sarah’s slim fingers wrapped around it. Or that mouth that suddenly fascinated him so much. Or the tight muscles of her pussy clenching around him, pulsing with her climax, bathing him in liquid heat.
Before he realized it, his spine tingled, his balls drew up, and cum spilled over his fingers.
Great, just great.
He hadn’t done that since he’d been sixteen years old. At least another cold shower had helped settle him for the night. He wished he had something to settle himself now.
A knock on the doorframe made him look up to see Nick and Tony standing there. He grimaced, then motioned to them. “Come in. You might as well hear all the gory details or you’ll pester me to death.”
****
Sarah’s morning went by in a blur. She felt like a marathon runner, her mind still in turmoil and moving as fast as her feet. God only knew what Reno thought about her stepping into his life as if she’d always been there. Well, he’d told her to take charge, and that’s exactly what she’d done.
First, she’d gone to her house for some clothes. She’d hurried since she was holding Molly in her carrier along with the diaper bag. But once there, she realized with a sinking feeling she hadn’t bothered to get Molly’s feeding schedule. She’d smiled down at the baby who sucked happily on her fists.
“Oh, well. We’ll just wing it.”
Packing two suitcases, she lugged them out to the car. Whatever else she needed she could come back for when she was better organized. Based on what time she’d arrived at Reno’s and found the housekeeper struggling with breakfast—and a late one at that, for God’s sake—she figured she had at least until noon before the baby was hungry again. That would give her time for grocery shopping and anything else she needed to do right away. Taking one last look around the house, she locked the door with a strange feeling. Tonight, she would be sleeping somewhere else.